Explore the French Riviera

Things to do in Nice

Culture lovers and sun seekers are well-served in the glamorous French Riviera. Prestigious art galleries, high-end restaurants, wonderful beaches and a pleasant year-round climate mean there is no shortage of things to do in Nice.

Visit one of the city’s world-class art galleries or museums – some of which offer free entry. Many luxury hotels boast chic bars or exclusive casinos – why not book tickets to the Opera for an evening of high-class entertainment. You’ll be taken aback by the beauty of Nice and the surrounding areas. Take in the stunning views of the Bay of Angels from Parc du Chateau or explore the Cote d’azur with car hire and explore nearby Cannes and Monaco.

Enjoy the beaches

The famous Promenade des Anglais spans the whole of Nice, offering miles of pebbly beaches on which you can relax in the comfort of a deck chair. A private beach is available at the Beau Rivage hotel, for quieter sunbathing. While beautiful sandy shores await you at nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer or Cannes.

See the sights

Visit the Old Town and browse the famous Cours Saleya flower market. The climb to Castle Hill is a rewarding experience, affording spectacular views over the Bay of Angels, pebbled beaches and the sparkling azure water that earned the Cote d'Azur its name. Bursting with culture – Nice is also packed with museums, theatres and galleries.

Hit the shops

Make your way to the Rue de France, which runs parallel to the Promenade des Anglais, for a good selection of shops and outlets. Visit the massive Nice Étoile shopping mall or hunt for souvenirs and gifts in the Old Town. For local produce and the famous flower market, Cours Saleya is the place to go.

Dine out in style

You’ll be sure to find something that tantalises your taste buds amongst the Old Town’s excellent choice of eateries. Indulge in Michelin-starred dining or tuck into tasty local fare while gazing out over the ocean at a restaurant along the Promenade des Anglais. Make sure you sample a delicious chickpea crêpe, known as ‘Socca’, or the famous Salad Ņicoise.

Things to do in the French Riviera

Things to do in Cannes

Experience the buzz of Cannes, best known for the glitz and glam of its annual Film Festival. It’s always been a firm favourite with the rich and famous, but there are plenty of things to enjoy if you haven’t reached millionaire status just yet. Let the glorious sands of La Croisette entice you, get lost in the maze of picturesque lanes that make up Old Cannes and embrace the impressive shopping scene. Take in the best views of Cannes from Le Suquet neighbourhood and visit Musee de la Castre, the castle museum – you won’t be disappointed with its hilltop vantage point.

Things to do in Monaco

It may only be situated a stone’s throw from Nice, but Monaco couldn’t be more different. Experience glitz and glamour in this aspirational destination – where top-end hotels, flash cars and lavish yachts are all just part of the scenery. Drive or walk the famous Grand Prix circuit – you may recognise the Fairmont Monte Carlo and swimming pool which overlook the main hairpin bend. Lose yourself in the lanes of old Monaco. Witness the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace – congregate around the entrance on Palace Square at 11:55am to see this 100 year old tradition. The exquisite Casino de Monaco is also must-see and we’d recommend grabbing a drink at one of the nearby terraces – great for people watching as many remarkable cars line up outside.

Things to do in Antibes and Juan Les Pins

A quintessential Mediterranean town that has managed to retain its 1930s elegance, as the glamour of the Gatsby era lives on. Book tickets to Jazz à Juan, an iconic summer jazz festival that has attracted great names and huge crowds since 1927. Or visit 14th century Chateau Grimaldi, which once served as Picasso’s studio and now houses a collection of his paintings, lithographs, drawings and ceramics. The wooded shores of Cap d’Antibes are the perfect setting for walking and swimming, while the promenade of Juan Les Pines will entice you with its seaside cafes and restaurants. And the winding streets of the Old Town reveal designer stores, a market and a harbour – which is adorned with impressive yachts.

Things to do in St Tropez

Explore the once humble Vieux Port - which out of season retains the quaintness of times past. Wander the cobbled lanes of ramshackle fishing quarter La Ponche or follow the trails of striking cape Pointe du Capon. Join the beautiful people that adorn spectacular Plage de Tahiti, which morphs into Plage de Pampelonne – an area famed for its legendary nightlife. Immerse yourself in the excitement of the Place des Lices market – perhaps gain a different perspective from overlooking Chapelle Ste-Anne. Make sure you sample some of the regions famous rosé, grown in nearby Cotes de Provence and the towns namesake, La Tarte Tropezienne.